Manufacture of tubes



Sept. 26, 1939. R. P. PIPEROUX MANUFACTURE OF TUBES Filed July 2, 1937 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Rene P. Piperoux Sept. 26, 1939.

R. P. PIPEROUX MANUFACTURE OF TUBES Filed July 2, 1937 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 mmw E mw. Mn. 4

. p 1939- v R. P. PIPEROUX 2,173,859

MANUFAC TURE OF TUBES INVENTOR K Rene P Pi eroux Sept. 26, 1939'. R. P. PIPEROUX MANUFACTURE OF TUBES Filed July 2, 1937 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR Rene P Paperoux Sept. 26, 1939.

R. P. PIPEROUX MANUFACTURE OF TUBES Filed July 2, 1937 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR Rene P PI peroux y Wm A QRNEY5 Se t. 26,1939. R. P. PIPEROUX MANUFACTURE OF TUBES Filed July 2, 1937 -7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Rene P Pi PQFDUZ Sept. 26, 1939.

R. P. PIPEROUX 2,173,859

MANUFACTURE OF TUBES Filed July 2, 1937 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Tin- 15 Patented Sept. 26, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MANUFACTURE OF TUBES Rene P. lPiperou'x, Radburn, N. J., assignor to Celluloid Corporation, a. corporation of New Jersey Application July 2, 1937, Serial No. 151,570

' 20 Claims. (01. Isa-a2) This invention relates to a mechanism adapted to produce tubes of any desired length, diameter or shape from film, foil or sheet material such as any film, foil or sheet formed of or containing a 6 derivative of cellulose or similar material.

An object of this invention is the production length tube. Still another object of the inventionis the production of a tube forming mechanism 15 that may be adjusted to form any desired sizetube. A further object of the invention is the production of an entirely automatic device for forming tubes or cylinders from relatively thin, and flimsy sheet material. Another object of-the 20 invention is the production of a. tube forming mechanism that may be employed to form tubes from transparent films that arev easy damaged without marring same. Other objects of the invention will appear from thefollowing' detailed 25 description and drawings.

In the drawings, wherein the reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in the various views:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a machine constructed in 30 accordance with this invention,

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a machine shown in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a side view, partly in section, of the left hand end of the machine as shown in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3a is a sectional view taken on the line 3a-3a of Fig. 3,

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line ll-M of Fig. 3 but in the opposite direction from the arrows marked thereon, 40 r Fig. 5 is a sectional view of that part of the device shown in Fig. 4; v Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on liries 6-6 oi Fig. Fig. 7 is a plan view of that part of the device 45 shown in Fig. 6,

Fl". 8 is a sectional view of the forming section of the machine,

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view taken on slines 9+9 of Fig. 8,

50 Fig. 10 is an end View from theleft hand'end of Fig. 4,

Fig. 11 'is a sectional'view of a detail taken on lines li-ll of Fig. 10,

Fig. 12 is a transverse sectional view takenon 55' lines l2-l2 of Fig. 3,

Fig. 13 is a transverse sectional view on lines l3l3 of Fig. 1, a

Fig. '14 isa transverse sectional view taken on lines I4--l4 of Fig. 3, and

Fig. 15 is a wiring diagram for the machine. 5

The mechanism of my invention is constructed to form tubes primarily from films or foils made from or containing cellulose acetate or cellulose nitrate and/or other derivatives. of cellulose.

These materials are very flexible and are easily-- 0 defaced by scratches, etc. These materials may be transparent, and in this event scratches on either side of the materials will be readilyseen.

'Fihns or foilsvarying in thicknessfrom .001 inch to .08 inch may be employed. The preferred thick- 15 nesses are between 0.003 inch to 0.010 inch. In

place of the organic derivatives of cellulose material, paper or other highly flexible materials may be employed. Two or more sheets of an organic derivative of cellulose and/or paper, etc., as loose or firmly laminated to each other may be em- 7 ployedk For the purpose of describing this invention, these materials prior to being shaped into a tube will be designated as flat stock. In

' the specification the terms tube and cylinder are used interchangeably and these terms are not limited to an article that is circular in crosssection. 7

A tube-making machine constructed in accordance with this invention, for the purpose of describing the same, maybe said to comist primarily of a; feeding stage wherein the flat stock is supported in roll form and unwound at a vprede termined rate depending upon the settings of adjustments of other parts of the machine. After35 the flat stock leaves the feeding stage of the machine, it enters the forming stage wherein the flat stock is rolled or bent into a tube or cylinder of the desired diameter and shape and then cemented. An advancing stage is then provided 40 for forwarding the tube thus formed on to the next, or cutting, stage where the substantially i continuous tube is cut into the desired lengths. In the last stage the machine positively ejects the cut off tube. The'machine operates in a strictly automatic manner from the unwinding of the flatstock to the ejecting of the finished tube.

The device is so constructed that it produces.

tubes having a length variation of less than. plus or minus inch.

For the purpose o f facilitating the description of the mechanism and its mode of operation, the

machine will be considered as consisting of the fivestages referred to above. However, the divi-' 'sion is purely arbitrary and, as will be seen from the following description, the device functions as a unit with the elements of one stage dependent upon the elements of another stage.

Feeding stage" With particular reference to Figs. 1 and 2,,

the device comprises a suitable frame I supported by legs or standards 2. If desired, the frame may consist of twotable-like structures 3 and 4 suitably attached to each other. By employing a two section frame the feeding and smoothing device (hereinafter described) may be .pulled out of the way to permit the easy insertion and removal of the mandrel (described later). The two-tablearrangement also permits of an adjustmentof distancebetween the feeding and rolling stages, which adjustment is necessary to accommodate the different widths and gauges of the sheet stock employed.

An auxiliary support 5 is provided under th effect the length of the finished product'or the w loose, however, to permit pulled from the roll.

trueness of the cutting of the cylinders.

- A parent roll 1 of flatv stock 6 carried. by the shaft i is mounted upon bearings 9, which bear- A ings are in turn mounted in saddles ll supported by the table 3. 'I'humbscrews I2 and I3 are provided to adjust the bearings, and thus the shaft l0; laterally or longitudinally of the table so as to permit the operator to adjust the roll of flat stock in the position desired. In connection with'the shaft l0 there are three gears I 4, l and I6, the functionof which is to transmit the rotation of the shaft ID to a brake drum l1 around which is placed a brake II of the band type. A thumb screw I9, is provided for regulating the friction of the brake band l3 on the brake drum I1. The function of. the brake and its connecting gears is to provide sufficient friction to prevent the roll 1'from unrolling' continuouslyby its own inertia under a sudden pull on the flat stock. It must be sufficiently of theflat stock being Mounted inrbearings 2|, which are adjustable by means of screws '22 operating between saddles 23 and the bearings 2|, is a guide roll 24 which is preferably covered with rubber. The

function of the adjustable guide roll 24 is to direct thesheet stock 8, in a horizontal plane, lon gitudinally over the center of the machine.

v0n the table 3 forward ofthe guide roll 24 is a vertically adjustable stand 25. The stand 25 is supported by a plurality of legs 26 capable of being lengthened orshortened by any suitable means (not shown). The stand 25 is provided with a. guideway Min-which slide guide shoes of two adjustable jaws 21. The jaws 21 are held in adjusted position by means of screws 28. One function of the stand 25 is to permit the operator to make a joint inthe flat stock without stop,- ping the machine when a new roll of flat stock is to be introduced to replace one that has been used up. Another, function of' the stand is to support the adjustable jaws 21 which cooperate with the guide roll 24 to position the flat stock as it is fed to the tube forming stage of the mechanism. The surface of the stand 25 is preferably slightly below thepath taken'by the flat stock so that during the operation of themachine the flat stock does not touch the surface of this stand. As the machine is designed primarily for work upon flat stock, transparent or otherwise, formed from a derivative of cellulose, the dragging of the flat stock over. supports must be avoided as the material is usually very easily scratched. In this respect the stock and partly 7 formed cylinders are caused to float through the whole machine with contact only at a few spaced points.

'A pair 'of pinch rollers 29 (preferably covered with rubber or similar material) are mounted in suitable bearings 3| supported by the table '3.

One or both of the rollers 29 may be driven by.

'means of a pulley 32 attached to the shaft of oneof them. The pulley 32 is driven, in most instances intermittently, by a belt or chain 33 which is driven by a pulley 34 connected to any siiitable motor 35 through a gear reduction. device 36. A clutch is provided for controlling the operation of the pulley 34 by the source of power. This clutch is operatedby a solenoid 31 acting through lever 38. The function of the drive and pinch rollersv '29 is to provide a constant and minimum tension of the stock forward thereof. Such a tension is necessary to produce tubes of uniform lengths and to impose upon the stock and the stock pulling mechanisms forward thereof a minimum of stress.

A guide-roller 39 is adjustably mounted by means of screws 4| in saddles 42 vertically adjustable with respect to the table 3 by means of nuts 43. The table 3 is also provided with legs 2A in which are guideways 44. guides 45 are adapted to slide in the guideways 44 and support a floating guide roller 46.' The flat stock 8 is threaded between the pinch rollers 29 and then under the floating roller 46 and over the guide roller 39. The floating roller 46 may be counterbalanced by any suitable means (not shown) and thus the flat stock entering the tube forming means is under a proper and uniform tension. The counterbalancing means may Sliding I of "the floating roller or it may be alever, spring I or other suitable counterbalancing means.

Near the bottom and top of the guideway 44 are switches 41 and 48, respectively, which, are positioned in such a manner that they are operated by contact with one of the sliding guides 45. The function of the floating roller 46 and related parts is to control the tension and rate of feed of the flat stock. When the floating roller reaches the switch 41 the rotation of the pinch rollers 29 is interrupted through a connection between the' switch and the solenoid 31 which acts upon the lever 38 disconnecting the clutch placed between the pulley 34 and the speed reducing unit 36. As the flat stock 8 becomes. used up the floating roller' 46 rises until its guide 45 touches the switch 48 which operates the solenoid 31- again and engages the clutch,

thereby rotating the pinch rollers 29 which pull off the flat stock from the parent roll 1 to form a new loop which permits the floating rollers 46 to drop-down again until it again contacts switch 41 and so on through a predetermined cycle.

- Mounted on the table 3 forward of the guide roller 39 is a pair of members 49. The function of these members is to keep the flat stock in a flat plane up to that point. Beyond that point the flat stock starts to curve intothe shape which will finally be given to it by the forming stage of the mechanism. The membei49 may be formed of rubber or similar material or of any suitable material covered with velvet or similar nonscratching material. If desired, a static eliminator 5| may be placed near the members 49 to get rid of any electrical static charge developed on the stock by friction in the parent roll 1 and by passing the same over all the other rollers. A

standard Simco Midget Static Eliminator may be employed.

Forming stage The forming stage will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 3A, 6, '7, 8, 9 and 12 and with particular reference to Fig. 3. The forming stage of the mechanism is mounted on the table 4 and spaced a sufiicientdistance from the members 49 to allow the stock to curl to the desired shape. This distance, as stated above, will depend somewhat upon the size of the cross-section of the tube being formed and the gauge of the fiat stock employed. Mounted upon the table 4 is a bridge 52 having a depending flange 53 centrally thereof. The flange may be detachable from the bridge. The flange 53 is connected with and forms the support for a mandrel 54 which is slightly smaller in cross section than that of the tube being formed. Mounted upon the mandrel, preferably at spaced points, is a covering of velvet 55 or similar material. The function of the mandrel 54 is to direct the tube through the mechanism and prevent collapse of the same, especially at the parts covered with the velvet. When working heavy stock the velvet may be replaced with satin or by the bare mandrel whichis then made larger at the spaced points and these spaced points highly polished. It will be seen the the substantially continuous tube as it is formed and up to the time it is cut into the desired lengths and ejected from the machine, floats through the device supported only at spaced points. Either the mandrel 54 or the bridge 52, or both, are made detachable so that the mandrel may be changed when tubes of different sizes or shapes are desired.

The shaping of the flat stock into the tube is accomplished with the aid of a' shaping device 56 shown in detail in Figs. 3, 8 and 12. The shaping device 56 is supported by a ring 51 that is supported from the table 4 by a hollow bracket 58. The shaping device 56 comprises two rings 59 and BI spaced from each other and concentrical to the mandrel 54. Each of theserings is split circumferentially and between the halves are mounted bifurcated rods 62 which are adapted to act as hearing members for rollers 63. The

rods 82 are held in any desired position by binding the two halves of a ring together by means of screws 64. As shown, there are twenty-four rods and rollers to each ring but this number may be changed depending upon'the'diameter of the cylinder and the. gauge of the stock. The circumference formed by the rollers in the ring 59 is larger than that of the desired tube, while the circumference formed by the rollers in the ring 61 is substantially the same as that of the desired tube. In other words, the stock, at this point, is formed to size. The ring 59, however, has its rollers forming a circumference slightly larger, but not necessarily of the same shape as that of the -finished'tube so as togive the tunneling effect to .the stock. The rings 59 and 6| may be adjusted relative to each other and to their supthreaded .upon studs 65.

cementing material.

. cement definitely seals rollers 83 is to crowd-in the v mandrel so as to keep it to the diameter deter- As shown in Figs. 3 and 3A, there is attached to the mandrel a lapping guide 66. The function of this guide is to insure that a predetermined edge of the fiat stock will overlap the other edge.

As seen in Fig. 3A, the piece 66 has'the function of forming the seam. by having one side of the stock fitting over and :one side under its horizontal tively thin to facilitate the insertion of the same' between the overlapping edges of the tube forming the seam. In thisfree end is an enlarged cavity 12 adapted to function as a well for the troduced to the groove 68 by a suitable conduit 13 connected to a source of supply (not shown). The excess cementing material is withdrawn through a conduit 14 connected to a suitable reservoir (not shown). The amount of cement passing into the groove may be regulated'by a valve 15. The function of the cementing element is to wipe upon the underside of the overlapping edge of the stock acementing material. By the present means of supplying the cementing material to the groove 66 there is insured a uniform amount and concentration of cementing material at the point of application; By employing the cementing element ofthe instant invention, cements which would not feed through wicks may be employed. The separation of the two edges of the stock by the free end of body portion 61 is negligible and therefore there is no distortion of the cylinder which is being rolled'into its final shape.

A non-abrasive packing 16 may be provided to prevent the. stock from rubbing against the bracket 58 and ring 51.

After the cylinder is shaped it is next brought.

A suitable cement is in-- 3, 8 and 9 in its function.

housing and one at either side of the center vertical line thereof are shafts 18 carried in suitablebearings 19 and adjustable lengthwise by means of thumb nuts 8|. The end of each shaft 18' terminates in a bearing 82 in which are journalled concave crowding or pulling rollers 83. The function of these rollers 83 is to draw thexstock tightly around the mandrel. It is only this point that the external diameter of the mandrel 54 is substantially the same as the internal diameter of the cylinder. In all other places the cylinder fits loosely on the mandrel; Immediately forward of the rollers 83 is a roller 84' adapted to roll down the cemented portion of the cylinder, thus effecting the positive adhesion of the two edges of the stock. The roller 84 is supportedby a shaft 85 mounted in the housing 86 is adapted to force the roller 84 into contact with the cemented seam. i

The function of the roller .84 is to press against the freshly made seam of the cylinder so that the it. The function of the stock around the mined by the diameter of the mandrel at this point, or the diameter of the velvet covered mandrel at this point.

roller 84 is-just forward of the rollers 83. For

As shown in the drawings, the- 11. An expansible spring However, in forming thinner walled tubes where the stock has no tendency to spring apart the roller 84 may be moved closer to or may even be between the rollers 93.

Mounted on the table 4 and spaced fromthe bracket 59 is a second bracket 91. In the bracket 91 and in a continuation of housing 11 are mounted, respectively, two vertically adjustable rods 99. The two rods 99 support a channel member 89 in which are mounted a plurality of shoes 9|. The shoes 9| are each slidably mounted on a shaft 92 but are each held in a depressed posi-- tion by an expansible spring 99 carried by the shaft. If desired, the shoes may be heated. The under surface of the shoes may be of polished metal or they may be covered with velvet or similar material. The function of the shoes is to insure the holding together of the two laps of the seam until the cement has permanently set. For work upon thin flat stock the channel member 99 with its shoes 9| are removed asithe crowding rollers 93 and pressing roller 94 are sufficient to hold the stock against any tendency to flatten out.

Advancing stage For pulling the flat stock from the feeding stage through the forming stage and then pushing the formed tube on to the cutting stage a mechanism 30 that intermittently moves the tube in timed relation to the cutting stage is employed. This mechanism is shown generally at 99' on Figs. 1 and 2 and in greater detail in Figs. 3, 6 and 7. This mechanism is supported on the table 4 by crosspieces 94 on which rest bearing members 95. The advancing mechanism is operated by a motor 96 which through belts 91 and 99 rotate a pulley mounted on a shaft I90. A variable speed motor is preferred so that the speed of the movement 49 of the material through the device can be changed with conditions. I

The motor 96 through the belts 91 and 99 and the pulley 99 continuously rotates the shaft I99. Mounted on the shaft I are a pair of worm gears IOI wh ch mesh with gears I02 mounted upon shafts I03 which are contained in housings I04 and I05 (Fig. 6). The housings I04 and I95 are slid'ably supported on shafts I06 and I01 journaled in the bearing members 95. On the shafts I03 are beveled gears I09 adapted tomesh with.

beveled gears I09 mounted on shafts III, four of such shafts being provided, one at each end of the housings I04 and I95. The shafts III are adapted to carry and rotate rollers II2 that are 55 concaved to the shape of the tube atthat point.

The function of the positively driven rollers H2 is to move the tube forward by frictional engagement with same. To prevent the rollers II2 from pushing the walls of the cylinder against the 60 mandrel, the mandrel is provided with openings move the tube forward. Even though contact between the rollers H2 and the tube is broken,

the cylinder would tend to move forward a small 2,178,859 thick walled tubes this is the better position.

distance due to its inertia. To prevent this there is provided a pair of'brakes H1 and H9 which move inward to frictionally stop the tube. The mechanism of these brakes will heneinafter be described. The stock is moved intermittently along .the mandrel in timed relation to the cutting stage because the rollers I I2 advance the stock only when hugging through the tube the inside mandrel supported rollers II4. There is a period, however, made in response to the clutting stage when the rollers II2 are held away from the stock, and-during that period the brakes H1 and H9 hug the mandrel through the tube and stop the advance of the tube almost instantaneously. The brake II 1 is attached, to a brake shoe II9 which in turn is positively attached to a pair of rods I2I that are connected to the housing I05 while the brake H9 is attached to a brake shoe I22 that is positively attached by a pair of rods 1 I23 to the housing I04. Contractile springs I24,

each equipped with a tensioning screw I25, are

provided for holding the housings I04 and I05 tightly against the .cam II5.

From Fig. 7 it will be seen-that four concave rollers I I2 are mounted upon the housings I04 and I05, which housings slide laterally upon the shafts I96 and I01. The brakes H1 and H9 are also mounted upon the same housings I04 and I95 except that the lefthand brake I I1 is fixed to the right hand housing I05 and the right hand brake H9 is fixed to the left hand housing I04. The in-and-out movement of the brakes and driving rollers is effected by rotation of the collar type cams II5 which rotate with the shafts I06 and I01. Upon rotation .of the cams II5 the housings I 04 and I 95 are forced apart. This movement disconnects the drive rollers II2 from the tube and brings the brakes H1 and H8 together stopping the movement of the tube. When the shafts I06 and I01 are again rotated to bring the housings toward each other, i. e. into operative position, the spring I24 pulls the housing I94' and I05 together, the brakes are operated, and a contact between the rollers H2 and the tube is effected. To accommodate a tube of a different size all that is necessary is to change the size of the cams I I5. This is made more easy by employing two. collars on each shaft having one end of each collar provided with a cam face. These collars may then be adjustedto any suitable position on the shaft.

Referring particularly to Figs. land 3, it will be seen that the rotation of the shafts I 06 and I91 .is effected by meansof a bell crank I26 attached to each shaft I06 and I01. One such bell crank, preferably on shaft I01, is connected to the piston I21 of an air cylinder or solenoid I29. The

two bell cranks on the hafts I09 and I01 are interconnected by a bar I 9 so that the motion imparted by the air cylinder I29 to one bell crank is transmitted to the other, and so to both of the shafts simultaneously. At the opposite side of the machine from the air cylinder I29 the shafts I96 and I01 are provided with bell cranks I 9| and connectingbar I32 for effecting a positive unity.

of operation of the shafts I06 and I01. When the air pressure is relieved in air cylinder I29, the bell cranks and the shafts are brought to the tube moving position by extension springs I99.

The air cylinder I29 which effects the rotation of shafts I 06 and I01 may be a single acting cylinder controlled by an air valve I94 -which connects the air cylinder I29 to a high pressure air line. This valve is operated by a solenoid I95'which, when energized, forces the valve to ing mounted therein a stud I65.

Cutting Stage The continuously formed tube or cylinder is driven along the mandrel to a cutting stage where the tube or cylinder is cutinto sections of substantially equal and predetermined length. This cutting stage is shown generally in Figs. land 2,

an more particularly in Figs. 3, 4 and 5. The cutting element is supported on two frame members I31 and I38 that rest on the table 4. The frame 7 members I31 and 138 are held in spaced relation by means 'of a spacing collar I39 and tie bolt I4I at the top and stud shafts I42 at the bottom.

A sleeve I43 is rotatably mounted on ball races I44 held by the frame member I38. At one end of the sleeve is a sheave I45, while at the other end there is screwed into the sleeve a removable hub I46. tinuously rotated by means of a belt I 41. connecting it with a motor I48. The motor may be adjustably mounted by means of the bolts I49 on brackets II mounted on legs 2 of the table 4. The hub I46 is provided with cylindrical guideways I52 in pairs of which are slidably mounted stirrup rods I53. The stirrup-rods I53 are connected together near one end by a cutter holding stirrup I54 and near the other end by. a cam follower holding stirrup I55. The distance between the two stirrups may be regulated by turn buckles I56. The stirrup I54 carries a freely rotatable disc cutting wheel I51 while the stirrup I55 has a projecting pin I58 that extends into an opening I59 in the hub I46. 7

In the frame I31 and around the hub I46 is threaded a coarse square threaded plug I6 I. This plug I6I is equipped with a hardened sleeve or camway I62. In the opening I59 between the pin I58ancl the camway I82 is placed a ball cam follower I63 adapted to ride on the camway I62. At the rear end of the plug I6Iisa ring I64 hav- Attached 'to the stud I65 by means. of a trough I66'is a lever I61 adapted for reciprocation in bearings I68 on the frame I31. One end of the lever I61 (Fig. 13),

is connected with. a bell crank I69 which is connected with a piston -I"II of an air cylinder I12.

Upon movement of the piston I1I there is effected a rotation of the plug I6I which is thereby moved inwardly or outwardly due to the'threads I13 on said plug. As the-plug I6I is moved outwardlyit allows the cam follower I63 of the cutting element to rotate in the larger circle due to the shape of the camway I62. The stirrups will rotate con-,

the mandrel, thus efiectinga cutting of the tube Upon severance of the tube and responsive to the ejecting stage, the lever I61 is again moved, by the spring I15, so that the plug I6I. moves inwardly causing the stirrup to travel in a smallerv circle andin'that way moving the knife away from the mandrel and clear of the advancing portion of the tube.

To insure a complete severance of the tube without unduly dulling the cutting edge the mandrel is provided with a groove I14 in registrywith The sleeve I43 is adapted to be con-- the knife. A strip of velvet 55 is desirable near this point to insure a right angle cutting of the tube by supporting the same concentric with the mandrel.

' The air cylinder I12 is'connected by suitable pipes to a'source of air under pressure such as the line l16 which also is connected to the air cylinder I28 of the advancing stage. The air cylinder I12 is operated in response to a solenoid I11 that operates a valve I18that either opens the cylinder to the atmosphere or to the air un-' der pressure in the line I16. The lever I61 is adapted to operate two switches I19 and I8I as it is reciprocated back and forth to move the cam- 7 way or plug I6I in and out to bring the cutter in contact with the tube. As the lever I61 moves to effect a cutting of the tube, it first moves switch I19 which operates a stopping gate in the ejecting stage (to be described later) and then almost immediately moves switch I8I which operates the -solenoid I35 that controls the advancing stage advancing rollers H2 and brakes H1 and I I8.

E 'y'ecting stage After the advancing tube is cutto length, the

' segment is ejected from the machine by the means I 82 is mounted a motor I 83 for continuously driving, by means of a belt I84, the shaft I 85. The shaft I85 is supported by suitable brackets I88 from the frame I82.

On the opposite side from the motor I83 the frame I82 is provided with grooves I86 in which bearing brackets I81 are adapted to be moved.

Vertical shafts I88 are journaled in pairs of these brackets I81. There is also journaled in the two upper brackets I81 a horizontal shaft I89 which has mounted thereon a pulley or similar device I9I that is continuously, rotated by a belt I92 from horizontal shaft I89 and the vertical shafts I88 are made by beveled gears I93 that may be moved upon the shaft I89 to correspond to the position of the vertical shafts. By means of the sliding brackets I81 and the bevel gears-the vertical 'theshaft I85. Driving connections between the shafts I88 may be adjusted to accommodate the the clutches I95 effect just sufiicient friction that I the rollers I94 rotate when the tube between them has been cut off from the rest of thetube. On the other hand, the friction controlledby the springs is not suflicient to turn these rollers when the tube lying between them has not yet beencut off. To .prevent. the rollers I94 from distorting the tube there are provided in the mandrel slides I98 carrying' rollers I 99. These slides I98 may be moved lengthwise the mandrel so that the rollers I 99 will register with the rollers I94 which are moved with the frame I82 in adjusting -the machine for the production of differentlength tubes. The

mechanism just described maintains a slight but constant pull on the tube.

Mounted for free movement on the shaft I85 is a housing 20I having extending therefrom an arm 202.in the outer end of which is a stud 203. On the stud 203 is a roller holder 204 carrying a shaft 205 in a forked end 208 thereof and astud 201 in the opposite end. The stud 201 is attached to a spring 208 which is also attached to a part of the bracket I80. On the shaft 205 is a rubber covered roller 209 and a pulley 2I I. The pulley 2I I, and through it shaft 205, isdriven by means of a belt 2I2 from the shaft I85. The roller 209 is driven from the shaft 205 by means of a friction clutch 2I3 similar to clutches I95.

The stud 203 is attached at one end to a connecting rod 2I4 having collars 2I5 for thegpurpose of adjusting the length of same. This connecting rod is fastened at its other end to a crank 2I8 mounted ina bracket bearing H1. The other arm of the crank 2 I6 is attached to a connecting rod 2I8 which is in turn connected to a crank 2 I9 non-rotatably mounted upon a horizontal shaft'22l that extends across the end of the machine, The shaft 22I is rocked back and forth by a solenoid 222 by means of a crank 223 connected to the piston 224 of the solenoid; The solenoid is supported upon the frame I 82 by a suitable bracket 225. The shaft 22I is equipped with a crank 228 having a stud 221 that is attached to a spring 228, theother end of which spring is attached by a stud 229 to the frame I82. The

spring operates against the pull of the solenoid- 222 to rotate the shaft 22I when the solenoid is de-energized.

The shaft 22I is supported on the frame I 82 by suitable bracket bearings 23I. The shaft 22I has mounted thereon two cams 232 which upon rotation of the shaft push the cam followers 233 forward. The cam followers 233 arestuds mounted on the ends of cranks 234. Vertical shafts 235 are attached to the cranks 234 and extend upwardly one on each side of the mandrel 54,. These shafts 235 are held in"'place by brackets 238 that are-slidably mounted in tracks 231 ex tending from the frame I82. By means of the tracks 231 and the shape of the cams 232 the shafts may be spread apart any suitable distance tofizccommodate the production of various size u s.

A pin 238 is attached to the shaft 235 and a the projection on the collar 242 and a pin 248 in the bracket 236. Upon rotation of the shafts 235 the blocks are reciprocated towardand away from the end of the mandrel 54. These blocks 245 function as gates against which the advancing tube abuts and is held until the brakes' H1 and II 8 of the advancing stage have gripped the tube 8.

, Mounted on the frame I82 is a saddle 241. Riding in the saddle is a block 248 that may be-vertically adjusted for different size tubes by the turn screw 249.. On the block 248 is a standard25l that may be adjusted with respect to'the block by means of a turnscrew 252, such that the standard 25I may be adjusted to form tubes of -switch 251. The rod 258 terminates in a finger 258'that tends to project into a groove 259 in the end of the mandrel 54.

The control of the entire machine starts at the micro-switch 251 which is operated by the advancing tube depressing the finger 258. 4 Both the lever arrangement258 and the switch are very sensitive so that the slightest touch at the tip of the finger 258 will break the current. When the tube advances towards the closed' gates 245, at

the moment it hits this finger tip it depresses it, thereby causing the microeswitch 251 to open. Then the machine goes through a series of timed operations until the tube is cut and elected at which time the finger is brought back into the groove 259 where it remains untilthe next tube depresses it again. 1

Fig. 15 represents the electrical hook-up of the machine. From a three phase source of power 28I with master switch 282 a two phase circuit 283 is taken off. In this circuit 'is connected in parallel the four driving motors; 38 being the variable speed motor driving the concave rollers I I2 of the advancing stage; I48 being the constant speed motor driving the cutter sleeve I43 of the 30 ated by the floating roller 48 which slides up and down its guides in the feeding stage part of the machine. The switch 41 is normally closed while switch 48 is normally open. When the floatingroller 48 is in its top position it closes the switch 48 and thus the relay 31A, thereby energizing the solenoid 31- which in turn engages the clutch 38 and permits the flat stock to be fed out. When the floating roller slides down, the switch 48 opens with the aid of a spring but the solenoid 31 remains energized because switch-"is still closed.

When, however, the floating roller reachesthe switch 41 the circuit isbroken and the feeding of the stock stops.

At the bottom of the diagram is'the microswitch 251 which is operated by 'finger 258 as explained above. When the tube hits this finger thereby closing the swttch the coil of the relay ITIA is energized, thus effecting a circuit through solenoid I11'which'operatesthe air valve I18 which turns the cutter controlling plug I8I by means of the lever I81. As the lever I81 is-moved by the solenoid I11 it first closes the switch I19 and then opens the switch I8I.

When the lever I81 closes the switch I19, the solenoid 222 is energized. The solenoid operates Ata slightly 'later time the lever I81 opens the j the gates 245 and the upper ejecting roller 209.

switch I8I, de-en'ergizingthe solenoid I35A openmandrelwith the aid of rollers I I2 until it hits the I gates'245 and the finger 251 almost simultaneously, the air cylinder actuating the cutter head moves the latter into the cutting position. Almost at the same time the gates 245 are opened and roller 209 brought against the tube, thus,

in the drawings and described above for the purpose of illustrating a preferred mode of carrying out my invention, mechanical means such as connecting leverage systems and operating cams and pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders may be used to obtain similar results or a combination of such mechanical .and electrical means may be employed.

It is .to be understood that the foregoing detailed description is merely given by way of illustration and that many variations may be made therein without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Having described my invention, what I desire to secure by Letters Patent is: s

1. A device for making tubes or cylinders from flat stock material comprising, a support for the material in the form of a roll of flat stock, means for feeding the flat stock under substantially constant tension from the said roll, means for'forming the tube, means for cementing the tube, means for advancing the tube as it is formed, a plurality of supporting means spaced apart from each other and from said forming and advancing means and adapted, in conjunction with said forming and advancing means; to constitute the sole support for the material during its travel through the device, means for cutting the tube into predetermined lengths, means for ejecting the length of tube after it is cut ofi, means permitting timing of the different parts and means for adjusting the difierent parts so as to produce tubes of different sizes and lengths.

2. A device for making tubes or cylinders from fiat stock comprising a support for a roll of fiat stock, means for feeding the flat stock under constant tension from the parent roll, a mandrel about which the tube is formed, means for forming the tube, means for cementing the tube, means;

for advancing the tube as it is formed, means for cutting the tube into predetermined lengths, means for ejecting the length of tube after it is cut oif, electrical means permitting timing of the difierent parts and-means for adjusting the different parts to the production of tubes of different sizes and lengths.

3. A device for makingtubes or cylinders from flat stock comprising a support for a roll of fiat stock, means for feeding the flat stock under constant tension from the parent roll including a floating roller, pinch rollers, and means governed by the floating roller for controlling the pinch rollers, a mandrel about which the tube is formed,

fiat stock comprising a support for a roll of fiat stock, means for feeding the flat stock under constant tension from the parent roll, a mandrel about which the tubeis formed; means for forming the tube, means for cementing the tube, means for advancing the tube as it is formed inmake either the said rollers or said brakes to actively engage the tube, means for cutting the tube into predetermined lengths, means for ejecting the length of tube after it is cut off, electrical means permitting timing of the different parts and means for adjusting the diiferent parts to the production of tubes of different sizes and lengths.

5. A device for making tubes or cylinders from flat stock comprisinga support for a roll of flat stock, means for feeding the flat stock under constant tension from the parent roll, a mandrel about which the tube is formed, means for forming the tube including a plurality of rollers forming a shaping ring and crowding rollers, means for cementing the tube, means for advancing the tube as it is formed, means for cutting the tube 'into predetermined lengths, means for ejecting the length of tube after it is cut on, electrical means permitting timing of the different parts and means for adjusting the different parts to the production of tubes of different sizes and lengths.

6. A device for making tubes or cylinders from fiat stock comprising a support for a roll of flat stock, means for feeding the fiat stock under constant tension from the parent roll, a mandrel about which the tube is formed, means for forming the tube including a plurality of rollers forming a shaping ring, crowding rollers and a press ing roller to press together the cemented portion of the tube, means for cementing the tube, means for advancing the tube as it is formed, means for cutting the tube into predetermined lengths, means for ejecting the length of tube after it is cludingadvancing rollers, brakes and means to cut off, electrical means permitting timing of i the different parts and means for adjusting the different parts to the production of tubes of different sizes and lengths.

'7. A device for making tubes or cylinders from flat stock comprising a support for a roll of flat stock, means for feeding the fiat stock under constant tension from the parent roll, a mandrel about which the tube is formed, means for forming the tube, means for cementing the tube, means for advancing the tube as it is formed,

means for cutting the tube into predetermined about which the tube is formed, means for forming the tube, 'means for cementing the tube,

, means for advancing the tube as it is formed,

means for cutting the tube into predetermined operable to move the knife toward and away .from the mandrel and means for rotating the plug, means for ejecting the length of tube after it is cut off, electrical means permitting timing of the different parts and means for adjusting the different parts to the production of tubes of different sizes and lengths.

9. A device for making tubes or cylinders from fiat stock comprising a support for a roll of flat stock, means for feeding the fiat stock under lengths including a rotatable sleeve, a disc type 'kniie'in said sleeve, a plug having a cam face 65 Q constant tension from the parent roll, a mandrel about which the tube is formed, means for forming the tube, means for cementing the tube, means for advancing the tube as it is formed, means for cutting the tube into predetermined lengths, means for ejecting the length of tube after it is cut oil including a depressable finger for controlling the cutting means, electrical means permitting timing of the different, parts and means for adjusting the different parts to the production of tubes of different sizes and lengths.

10. A device for making tubes or cylinders from flatstock comprising a support for a roll of flat stock, means for feeding the flat stock under constant tension from the parent roll, a mandrel about which the tube is formed, means for forming the tube, means for cementing the tube, means for advancing the tube as it is formed, means for cutting the tube into predetermined lengths, means for ejecting the length of tube after it is cut off including gates movable into and out of the path of the tube, electrical means permitting timing of the different parts and means for adjusting the different parts to the production of tubes of different sizes and lengths.

If. A device for making tubes or cylinders from flat stock comprising a support for a roll of flat stock, means for feeding the flat stock under constant tension from the parent roll, a mandrel about which the tube is formed, means for forming the tube, means. for cementing the tube, means for advancing the tube as it is formed, means for cutting the tube into predetermined lengths, means for ejecting the length of tube after it is cut off including gates movable into and out of the path of the tube and a depressible finger for controlling the gates and cutting means, electrical means permitting timing of the different parts and means for adjusting the different parts to the production of tubes of different sizes and lengths.

12. A device for making tubes or cylinders from flat stock comprising a support for a roll of flat stock, means for feeding the flat stock under constant tension from the parent roll, a mandrel lengths, means for ejecting the length of tube after it is cut off including a driven roller adapted to contact the severed length of tube and move free of an advancing tube, electrical means permitting timing of the different parts and means for adjusting the different parts to the production of tubes of' different sizes and lengths.

'13. A device for making tubes or cylinders from flat stock comprising a support for a roll of flat stock, means for feeding the flat stock under constant tension from the parent roll, a mandrel about 'which the tubeis formed, means for forming the tube, means for cementing the tube, means for advancing the tube as it is formed, means for cutting the tube into predetermined lengths, means for ejecting the length of tube after it is cut off including a pair of rollers, friction clutches for driving said rollers, a third roller, a friction clutch for driving saidthird roller and means for. moving'said third roller into engagement with a severedlength of tube and free of an advancing unsevered tube, electrical means per mitting timing of the different parts andmeans for adjusting the different parts to the production of tubes of different sizes and lengths.

14. A device-for making tubes or cylinders from flat stock comprising a support for a rollof flat stock, means for feeding the fiat stock under constant tension from the parent roll, a mandrel about which the tube is formed, means for form- .5 ing the tube, means for cementing the tube, means for advancing the tube as it is formed, means for cutting the tube into predetermined lengths, means for ejecting the length of tube after it is cut off including a pair of rollers, fric- 10 tion clutches for driving said rollers, a third roller, a friction clutchdor driving said third roller, -means for moving said third roller into engagement with a severed length of tube and free of an advancing unsevered tube and means for adjust- .16 ing all of said rollers to accommodate different sized tubes.

15. A device for making tubes or cylinders from flat stock comprising a support for a roll of flat stock, means for feeding the'flat stock under con- 20 stant tension from the parent roll, a mandrel about which the tube is formed, means for forming the tube including a ring of rollers for partially shaping the flat stock, a second ring of rollers for more completely shaping the flat stock, 25 crowding rollers for completing the shaping of the flat stock and a pressing roller for pressing together the freshly cemented portion of the tube, means for cementing the tube, means for advancing the tube as it is formed, means for cutting the tube into predetermined lengths, means for eject-' ing the length of tube after it is cut off, electrical means permitting timing of the different parts and means for adjusting the different parts to the production of tubes of different sizes and lengths.

16. A device for making tubes or cylinders from flat stock comprising a support for a roll of flat stock, means for feeding the flat stock under constant tension from the parent roll, a mandrel about which the tube is formed having rings of 40 velvetat spaced points for supporting the tube means for forming the tube, means for cementing the tube, means for advancing the tube as it is formed, means for cutting the tube into predetermined lengths, means for ejecting the length of tube after it is cut off electrical means permitting timing of the different parts and means for adjusting-the different parts to the production of tubes of different sizes and lengths.

I 17. A device for making tubes or cylinders from fiat stock comprising a support for a roll of flat stock, means for feeding the flat stock under constant tension from the parent roll, a mandrel about which the tube is formed, said mandrel having rollers mounted therein in registry with an advancing means and rollers adjustably mounted therein in registry with an ejectingmeans, means for forming the tube, means for cementing the tube, means for advancing the tube as it is formed, means for cutting the tube into predetermined lengths, means for ejecting the length of tube after it is cut off, electrical means permitting timing of the different parts and means for adjusting the different parts to the production of tubes of different sizes and lengths.

18. A device for making tubes or cylinders from flat stock comprising a support for a roll of fiat stock, means for feeding the flat stock under constant tension from the parent roll, a mandrel about which the tube is formed, means for forming the tube, means for cementing the tube including a block having a groove along which the cement isadapted to flow by gravity and a well in said groove adapted to lie adjacent an edge of the 7 flat stock as it is being formed to a tube, means for advancing the tube as it is formed, means for cutting the tube into predetermined lengths, means for ejecting the-length of tube after it is cut off, electrical means permitting timing of the difierent parts and means for adjusting the different parts to the production of tubes of diflerent sizes and lengths.

19. A device for making tubes or cylinders from 'flat stock comprising a support for a roll of flat stock, means for feeding the fiat stock under constant' tension from the parent roll, a mandrel about which the tube is formed, means for forming the tube, means for cementing the tube, means for advancing the tube as it is formed including continuously rotating advancing rollers on each side of the mandrel, a housing on each side of the mandrel for supporting the advancing rollers on that side, a brake on each side of the mandrel supported by the housing on the opposite side of the mandrel and cams adapted to move the housings apart, means for cutting the tube into predetermined lengths, means for ejecting the length of tube after it is cut oil, electrical means permitting 1 for advancing the tube as it is formed including continuously rotating advancing rollers on each side of the mandrel, a housing on each side of the I mandrelfor supporting the advancing rollers on that side, a brake on each side of the mandrel supported by the housing on the opposite side of the mandrel, cylindrical shaped cams for moving the housings apart and means to rotate the same, means for cutting the tube into predetermined lengths, means for ejecting the length of tube after it is cut oil, electrical means permitting timing of the difierent parts and means for adjusting the different parts to theproduction of tubes of different sizes and lengths.

RENE P. PIPEROUX. 

